A Chinese medicine containing toxic levels of mercury, and which has not been authorised by the Irish Medicines Board, has been imported illegally, it was revealed yesterday.
The IMB, which is the regulatory authority for licensing human medicines, said Shu Gan Wan is being marketed for the treatment of stomach and liver disorders. Samples analysed for the board "contain the heavy metal, mercury, at levels which are toxic", it said.
"Shu Gan Wan is also known as Shu Kan Wan and is being sold as a safe traditional Chinese medicine," said the IMB, which insists that "it is not a safe product". Because of the dangers associated with the consumption of mercury, the board recommends that users cease immediately "and consult their physician".